Beyond Perfect Parenting: Why 93% of Moms Need to Hear This Message

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What if the greatest gift you could give your children isn't perfection, but authenticity? Mandy Arioto, CEO of MomCo (formerly MOPS), reveals a startling statistic: 93% of mothers feel pressured to be the perfect mom—yet none of us actually enjoy being around "perfect" people. This paradox sits at the heart of modern motherhood's greatest struggle.

From its humble beginnings with seven women in Denver in 1973 to now reaching over a million mothers in more than 100 countries, MomCo has become a global movement transforming motherhood through genuine connection. Arioto's journey with the organization began like many mothers—reluctantly attending a meeting at a friend's invitation, convinced "mom groups" weren't her scene. That single decision changed her life, eventually leading her to over a decade of leadership with the organization.

This year's powerful theme, "Make it Awkward," encourages mothers to embrace vulnerability rather than avoid it. Through her personal story about her father never expressing love verbally—a pattern he inherited from his own father—Arioto illustrates how avoiding awkwardness only makes things more awkward over time. When we choose to step into discomfort, we often discover transformation waiting on the other side.

Perhaps most refreshing is MomCo's counter-cultural message about what children truly need. "My kids don't need a perfect mom," Arioto explains. "They need a mom who loves them tremendously, who can apologize when she messes up, who models what it's like to be a real person in the real world." In our social media-saturated culture, she offers this wisdom: "You can consume, but don't let it be all-consuming."

Whether you're a new mom feeling overwhelmed by Instagram-perfect parenting standards or an experienced mother looking for authentic community, MomCo's approach offers a refreshing alternative to perfectionism. Their upcoming MomCon in Orlando (September 25-27) and new podcasts "Bloodline and Backbone" and "The Mandy Show" provide various ways to connect with this life-changing community.

Ready to find freedom from the perfect mom myth? Visit momco.org to find a group near you or follow Mandy on Instagram to learn more about embracing authentic motherhood.

Find Mandy for speaking events and more: https://www.mandyarioto.co/

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